January 7, 2016

2016 Window Treatment Design Trends

New Year, new trends. In 2016, window treatment designs will be impacted by homeowners’ desire for styles that are fashion-forward, high-tech and eco-conscious.

Automation & Motorization

A well-decorated smart home is the next frontier as we strive to seamlessly blend technological innovation with beautiful furnishing in a single space. The Internet of Things has homeowners scrambling to control everyday decor in ways previously unimaginable. And window treatments are no exception. Dangling operating cords will soon become a relic of the past as homeowners choose advanced motorized operating systems to control window treatments. Systems like PowerView® Motorization from Hunter Douglas make it possible to operate and automate custom shades from anywhere in the world with a touch of a button.

Metallic Details

After years of hesitation, homeowners are openly embracing brass back into their lives, just in time for the introduction of new metallic colors, such as copper, rose gold and black stainless steel. Eye-catching metallic finishes are a great way to elevate furnishings from ordinary to glam. Fabrics featuring metallic threads woven throughout a pattern give subdued motifs more pop and individuality. Hardware in metallic finishes fit all decorating styles, from modern to traditional.

Hunter Douglas Parkland™ wood blinds

Environmentally Conscious Design

Environmental stewardship and sustainability practices have become important shopping criteria as consumers evaluate products for their homes. When shopping for window treatments, eco-conscious homeowners seek window treatment styles that increase energy efficiency, feature low chemical emissions, and are constructed from recycled and sustainably sourced materials, for a home that is stylish and environmentally low impact. Window treatments like Hunter Douglas Parkland® wood blinds are handcrafted using wood from sustainable forests, are GREENGUARD-certified, and help to boost energy efficiency.

Architectural Features

A design shift toward streamlined living environments doesn’t mean your home must be devoid of character. In fact, in many cases, architectural features provide just enough visual interest in a room that the space actually requires less furnishings to look decorated.

Cornice boards are experiencing a resurgence in interior design as a way to easily add architectural detail to a plain window casing. These are not the grandiose designs many are accustomed to seeing in stately period homes. Simple shapes, finishes and understated fabric choices will keep this decorative feature on trend.

Layered Designs

Layering furnishing, such as area rugs, artwork and window treatments, has become a popular way to elevate your decor, challenging the notion that less it more. However, if not done right, this trend can make your space look cluttered, which is why it’s important to choose furnishing that complement, not compete with one another.

Dressing windows in more than one layer increases energy efficiency, privacy and light filtering, while at the same time adding more visual interest to windows and overall decor. Drapery pairs especially well with custom blinds, shades, and shutters. Or for a more streamlined look, consider adding a special liner to the back of your shades.

Kim is a Hunter Douglas and drapery certified designer helping clients in Ottawa and surrounding Ontario communities find the perfect window treatments for their homes. She has more than 14 years of experience in interior design and window coverings.